BET Co-Founder Shelia Johnson Trashes Oprah's OWN Network

Not everybody's feeling O's brand new cable network. Sheila Johnson, the co-founder of BET newtork, slammed Oprah Winfrey's OWN Network for what she called its "lack of diversity." Peep the shots she fired inside...

During an interview on NPR's "Tell Me More," BET co-founder and fellow billionaire Sheila Johnson slammed Ms. Winfrey when asked about the mogul's new OWN network.

“The only advice that I say, let’s open up your circle a little bit more. You know, we love the Dr. Phils. We love the Suze Ormans. Let’s open up. There are other people. And there’s also African-American experts out there that I think she should start bringing on her show that can reach even a wider audience.”

Sheila said she sees Oprah's new venture as a missed opportunity because of its lack of diversity. While saying Oprah has the power to create opportunities for minorities, Sheila said she hopes one day this will become a reality.

“And I think she really should do that and not be afraid to do it. There’s really a lot of great experts out there that really know the businesses at hand. And I’d like to see her open up her circle to do that.”

OWN could use a little color; however, I don't think Oprah has ever used any of her platforms to only provide opportunities for minorities. But Oprah has said herself this new venture is a learning process so maybe there's some changes in the works. Or not. Either way....it's Oprah's and she can do as she pleases. Your thoughts?

The Randomness:

1. A photographer is suing comedian Mike Epps for $1million for a November assault at party. Story.

Comments

This past year, I have noticed that B.E.T. have been trying to eliminate their terrible reputation by adding "family-friendly shows" but it is not working.
106 & Park, Reed Between the Lines, and the reruns of Everybody Hates Chris, The Bernie Mac Show, My Wife and Kids, and The Parkers are dropping in ratings.
I believe that B.E.T. executives are realizing that people stop watching their channel so they are basically BEGGING us to come back through "family-friendly" shows and now with T.J. Holmes they will probably give him a news segment.
Smh...
B.E.T. should just let Centric, the sister station of B.E.T., or TV One take over and replace the channel because Centric airs The Steve Harvey Show, Miami Vice, The Cosby Show, In Living Color, Sister, Sister, 227, Girlfriends, and better music videos every day.
TV One airs Half & Half, Amen, The Jeffersons, A Different World, Lincoln Heights, Eve, Sanford & Son, Good Times, Living Single, great movies and documentaries about past African-American celebrities every day.
Overall, PEOPLE please do not watch B.E.T. until they LEARN how to respect US (the viewers).
: (

Lets be clear, you have no clue until you understand and start looking around you, your city state and country. There is a reason for cities neighborhoods and towns to be named after countries nationalities and persons of these. When B.E.T made its debut cities like Atlanta Ga. Had JOBS in fields that were hard for minorities to get into like Screenwriters Stage and Production Producers. Even the Movie industry was affected. I never see Black films on those predominately white stations accept for the WB. Even our book was not getting published now urban or minority writers are getting a shot. Stella got her groove back. some of you minorities need to get your heads out of your anuses and know we are put through things so we can help the next get through things. Every other Race does this. China Town Little Havana Hells Kitchen Opa locka~~TELEMUNDO ~~~B.E.T ~~~O.W.N etc. There is nothing racist about it. When the TV and MOVIE INDUSTRY only cast MINORITIES as DRUG DEALERS PIMPS PROSTITUTES DRUG ADDICTS Please any minority knows what I'm talking about. The movie Menace to society, south Central, Juice, ask the Minority actors what jobs and how many opportunities were presented before another minority cast them. Don't ever forget why Willy Lynch was needed. Never forget why the EMANCIPATION PROCLAMATION and AFFIRMATIVE ACTION is NEEDED. Come on people your have not arrived your still on the journey that has taken 400 years make. Even till this day the only place i SEE the movie ROOTS The Color Purple and others is on B.E.T no matter who owns it now! Why is that or excuse me, Why that is.

What she is saying is that Oprah should tailor her programming not to the 90% of people who are not black. but to the 10% of people who are.
One could make an equal or greater argument that Sheila is being racist by not allowing diversity on her channel. Accusing Oprah of being racist is a classic case of the pot calling the kettle black. Perhaps Sheila could take a leaf out of Oprah's book and learn to become color blind.

I am not a huge Oprah fan, but I do respect her for her tremendous accomplishments and contributions. I watched OWN for a few minutes when it was launched but was not impressed enough to make it a habit. Somehow with all that Oprah has done, I expected a network that would 'WOW" me. Unfortunately it did not. As such, I can't waste any time tuning into something that cannot hold my interest. If anyone is surprised there are not a lot of 'black' folk with shows on the network, don't be. It's not Oprah's 'thing' to have black folk head her shows. Take a look at all the shows she 'created'...Dr. Phil, Rachel Ray, Dr Oz and others....apparently she thinks that black folk may embarrass her. I can't be mad at that...that's Oprah being Oprah. I just watch other networks. Altogether, OWN is completely boring.

Racism will never cease to exist when the minorities themselves are saying things like "You know, we love the Dr. Phils. We love the Suze Ormans. Let’s open up. There are other people. And there’s also African-American experts out there that I think she should start bringing on her show that can reach even a wider audience". White, black, brown, red, yellow, blue, who cares what color the experts are. People need to chill the hell out and stop with all this... shits getting old. I have a feeling black people hate white people a lot more then the other way around.

I don't see why there's even a debate. Oprah should not have taken the discovery health channel away. So many more people prefer watching educational medical information than watching a channel all about a self-centered stuck up prick. I don't care how she got to where she is and even if people DO want to, she couldve had a couple of her shows, not an entire channel.

BET is a ridiculous unfunny joke. I don't even watch it anymore. i mean once Keyshia cole's mum and Neffe got their own show and then tiny and toya i was OVER IT. It makes black people a laughing stock and look stupid to others. Whereas Oprah and even Tyra showed black people to not just be groupie hoes. Oprah in particular is one of the reasons why me a former foster child, abusive father neglect etc etc is now at a top 20 university studying psychology. I'm so proud of Oprah, she is an inspiration to go further into education and as far as i'm concerned that will progress the world in a much better way that BET are doing FACT.

what do you think about the Ozborns, Hugh Hef's play boy reality show, Jersey shore etc.? How do they look to you? Sometimes shows like the ones you mentioned help those that have real life situations like yourself because many would be ashamed to tell people or help others or definitely not give a show to you so other can relate. They would remain anonymous cowards hiding behind scars and full closets or fictional names like princess when of-course your not one /w that kind of issues growing up. lol

I don't see why there's even a debate. Oprah should not have taken the discovery health channel away. So many more people prefer watching educational medical information than watching a channel all about a self-centered stuck up prick. I don't care how she got to where she is and even if people DO want to, she couldve had a couple of her shows, not an entire channel.

This woman is nitpicking and being unreasonable.
If Oprah didn't want black people on her network then that's an issue, but that isn't the case, so my gosh, the woman just started launching her new network, give it time!
Oprah has done many things in the black community and as given back as much as she can... so just back off and look at yourself and what you can do.

Shelia please..go sit on a fucking knife somewhere. You are a bitter bitch with no remorse. My Aunt has worked with you on several occasion along with Katherine Hughes and by far Shelia Johnson is the most out-of-touch-wanna-be-because she got it type of character. There are plenty of people out there with money..and honestly, Shelia jealousy is a nasty trait. Oprah is the queen of all media and if you cannot see the impact she has on our culture than maybe baby it's just you. We don't want shows like BET..we want to learn and expand our minds with people that want more out of life than just enjoy where they are at in the present moment. I applaud Oprah!! Shelia so BACK THE FCUK UP and let's let another African American Woman with Wealth enjoy it and rule. Oh yeah By the way..how many schools have you opened up Ms. "Johnson"..I thought your were not married anymore and Bob Fcuks Deborah now..Hate on that Croon...It's all love baby let up a little...

I think the YBF crew should know a little background about Ms. Johnson. She is a right wing conservative Republican who recently campaigned for the Virginia Governor who praised the Confederate army in the Civil War and proposed a Confederate History day with no mention of slavery. He had to retreat when the press jumped all over his azz. She is the same Ms. Johnson that paid black comedians little or nothing to appear on BET comedy shows and then when they became famous replayed the shows over and over again without giving them a buck. Google BET and you will find plenty of info on how the Johson fortune was built. It is not a pretty picture. She calls out Oprah, but she lives in Virginia Hunt Country surrounded by white rich people. If you live in a glass house don't throw no stones.

Very Well said. I swear I love the YBF but sometimes the information is so biased and erroneous that I just have to take it all as comic relief. Natasha do a bit more research if you want to be taken seriously..no disrespect but come on..step yo pussy power up with Facts!

that makes me mad! I was waiting for another BLACK WOMAN to have something negative to say about Oprah. It was only a matter of time. It is always a black and white issue with some folks. I honestly rather the black people that Oprah puts on her shows rather than the filth that BET puts on their show. If is see another 'black man in jail, baby momma drama, chick shake ya ass' movie, i will stab mysefl in the eye with a rusty fork. We arent even out of Month 1 and everyone is expecting the world to change (similar to Obama having been in office a month and they giving him a negative grade.) Ms. Johnson, I would advise you to step back and direct your comments to the staff and CEO of BET. This is the network that claim to be for and about black people. I challenge you to offer up more inspiring and POSITIVE images of black people. I would start with taking Neffe and Frankie off the payroll. Because as it stands the E in BET stands for Embarrassment.

My thoughts exactly! I'd rather watch OWN any day. Yes Oprah can have a little more diversity, but we have to give her a chance to develop. But BET?!?!?! I mean we're talking about what is supposed to be Black Entertainment Television, who got rid of their Black ownership, Tavis Smiley, BET nightly news, etc. and replaced them with weekly airings of Soul Plane, Tiny & Toya and music Videos... I mean i dont even know what else is on their I stopped watching all the foolery so long ago. They need to do better, WAY better before they even think about trying to advise Oprah on her OWN network.

Hey Peppermint why don't you tell Aunt Jemima and Laqueesha your ashy fat ass is trippin and has no clue about the fact that racism is sooo 2010. Here's a quarter btch go buy yaself a clue. While you're at it please do us all a favor and refrain from producing any offspring until Ur racist ass evolves into a somewhat educated human being.

I'll tell you what you slimy ass backwoods Bitch,
I don't have to tell Aunt Jemima shit, but I will refer
my message to you and your Mama and that is
that you can Kiss my perfectly formed Black ass
which is not ashy unlike your flat underdeveloped
boiled covered cracker ass, you lowlifed incest
bred peckerwood Bitch! As long as pieces of
shit come on this site with their racist attitude,
then Hoe, you can be sure that I will address
them. And take that quarter and shove it up
your ass, and see if it gives you a new insight
on life, cause racism ain't going nowhere as long
as we have pieces of sewer shit like you sprewing
garbage out of their malignant ass pie holes, and by
the way, why don't you just do the world a favor, go get
your daily dose of crack, oxycontin or heroin, get in
a corner and DIE, bitch cause nobody cares about you
or what you got to say! So Fuck you and fuck what
you stand for, Bitch!

I enjoy Oprah's show from time to time and I believe she is truly a gifted, giving, and courageous person. She is someone that many people connect with on many levels and she has used all of what she has learned and knows about people and our desire to live a better life to her advantage. She has many of you foaming at the mouth if anyone speaks a word of malcontent against her, so it must be working.
Why so many people on this forum have chosen to attack Sheila Johnson because she dared to voice an opinion about Oprah's business decisions is crazy. The personal attacks are outrageous- people attack what Sheila Johnson said if you don't agree with it, but why the need to attack her as a person?
I agree Oprah can hire who she wants, because she knows what her core audience wants and she knows who makes up her core audience, and believe me, its not African Americans. And based on some of the comments on this topic, many of you agree it doesn't matter if Oprah has a diverse workforce or not. Ms. Johnson didn't say Oprah's network should be another BET. The world as we knew it when BET was the only network that gave us a platform to share our thoughts and voices is over. Even BET now realizes they have to revamp themselves. Ms. Johnson only voiced her opinion, which she's entitled to do.
But, let's be real, Oprah's network, at this time, is pretty monochromatic in its shows and the hosts of those shows. She is pretty much sticking to what has worked for her in the past. We'll have to wait and see what her actual viewing audience responds to. As for me, just like you, I watch what I want to watch, and sometimes its Oprah and sometimes its not. We all just want to live to see another day and make a difference.

I'm actually in the final stages of my own company.
WHITES ONLY. NO BLACKS ALLOWED. You need a job and are mote qualified than the white people that are interviewing? I don't give a SHYT! I'm only hiring WHITE PEOPLE! whitey white white world!! WHITE POWER! I'm a beautiful white woman with all white clothes live in a white neighborhood, and only want WHITE people to flourish and reap the rewards this world has to offer!
So if you're white, please email me back and you're surely hired! BLACK? beat it!

How about this for an idea...why doesn't everyone that has something negative to say about Oprah, start their own company and employ all black people? It's real easy to sit back and look at an "employer" and say what you would and wouldn't do. So if you want to have the biggest say so, become just that.....an employer instead of a complaining, over worked, under paid employee of I'm sure a predominately white corporation. Stop looking for someone else to do what, if you put your mind to it, you could do for yourself.

Ha! Funny to me how it's always, the "former this or "the former that" who puts negative energy in the media about remarkable people doing extrodinary things in what ever vehicle they have. The bottom line is Shelia Johnson is a hater who ain't employing 1000's of people. Maybe if she did her job better & shut the fuck up... she wouldn't be out of work, talking shit about REAL BLACK PEOPLE GROWING DOIN' POSITIVE THINGS!!! I don't care what Oprah puts on TV, what ever it is she has my support hands down. Do it Queen!!!

It's disgusting how some of you dislike Oprah because she happens to employ white people as well as black people. So what you are saying is that, because she is Black, she should primarily employ Black people. She should not only support Black people ALONE BUT ALSO EMPLOY only Black people. So because she happens to hire people based on their merit and NOT based on their color she's phoney, bad, garbage etc.
She's turned her back on her race bc she doesn't run an ALL BLACK REGIMEN. WOW. JUST WOW. Some of y'all should be ASHAMED of yourselves. Seriously. Go back under the rock u crawled out from racist pigs. That's all I'm going to say. I'm truly disgusted. Go educate yourselves and open your minds. I fear for your children. You probably raising a whole new generation of racist animals. Then u gonna complain when white people are racist torwards YOU??? How does that werq

It's disgusting how some of you dislike Oprah because she happens to employ white people as well as black people. So what you are saying is that, because she is Black, she should primarily employ Black people. She should not only support Black people ALONE BUT ALSO EMPLOY only Black people. So because she happens to hire people based on their merit and NOT based on their color she's phoney, bad, garbage etc.
She's turned her back on her race bc she doesn't run an ALL BLACK REGIMEN. WOW. JUST WOW. Some of y'all should be ASHAMED of yourselves. Seriously. Go back under the rock u crawled out from racist pigs. That's all I'm going to say. I'm truly disgusted. Go educate yourselves and open your minds. I fear for your children. You probably raising a whole new generation of racist animals. Then u gonna complain when white people are racist torwards YOU??? How does that werq

I take issue with Shelia Johnson offering criticism of Oprah for many reasons. I agree that Oprah should open up for more diversity on her network. I just don't think Mrs. Johnson is the one to offer this advice. For one reason, it's been YEARS since BET was a positive reflection of the black community. Shows like Uncut ran on BET for years perpetuating every black stereotype ever thought of. Shows like College Hill that offered the opportunity to show intelligent young black people failed to do so because they opted for drama instead. Of course, they offer more positive images now. But they don't even run the station now, and plus the damage has been done. Now Sheila Johnson, concentrate on the mess that you and yours created before you get on Oprah.

OPRAH IS THE BEST TALK SHOW HOST PERIOD NOT THE BEST BLACK HOST! SUZE IS THE BEST, SHE KEEPS IT REAL!! I HAVE LISTENED TO THEM ALL AND NOBODY DISHES LIKE HER...SAME FOR DR PHIL! BLACK OR WHITE, THESE PEOPLE OFFER A LEVEL EXPERTISE
AS FOR MS JOHNSON, SHE SHOULD DIRECT HER ENERGY ON HER FLEDGLING NETWORK INSTEAD OF WORRYING ABOUT THE NUMBER ONE HOST WHO WILL SOON HAVE THE NUMBER ONE CABLE NETWORK! OH YEAH AND SHE IS BLACK! REMEMBER PEOPLE BLACK IS OUR PIGMENT!!

I've never been an Oprah fan and from what I've seen of OWN isn't going to make me a fan now. I'm sure Sheila Johnson said a whole lot more than what's being reported here though, so I won't stoop to calling her a hater. I think spirited debate, discussion and critique of OWN is beneficial to the network and that we need to stop calling each other "HATERS" (stupid ass word) when we give honest, thoughtful critiques of others.

I'm sorry but this site is absolutely incorrect.
I actually listened to that NPR interview the day it came out and this is about 1/10 of what was actually said. In fact, Shelia Johnson did nothing for the first few minutes of the interview but sing the praises of Oprah's success and the excitement she has for Oprah and her new OWN network.
Shelia Johnson also was asked did she think it was going to be a success and she without hesitation said yes.
The half-truths of this blog are FRIGHTENING!

Ok, me being a Oprah fan, I have to say that I have watch her OWN station and I’m not that impressed. She is piggybacking off of Hoarders and other show that come on every station. I agree with Mrs. Johnson, she has the power to make something great of that station and it seems that it will just be a missed opportunity. In watching the show of the “Making of OWN” I have observed that Oprah has a hand full of black employees and too many white Directors creating her shows. With that being said it half explains the lack there of black shows. On the flip side it still is fresh and hopefully in watching ratings drop she will have a change of heart….you can only run reruns but so many times in one day. Food for thought, some white influence can educate some blacks and some black influence can educate whites. Hopefully someone black wins her contest for their own talk show. But they need to know that working with Oprah means dedication and hard work….because she DON’T play with her money.

I am not a fan of Oprah, but OWN is still in its "baby phase" so I think that it is way too early to start criticizing the network.....now BET on the other hand. That network is in a sad state to say the least smh

What good is having a bunch of black faces on your network when the majority of the programming you see on said network is perpetuating stereotypes about blacks and changing the perception of blacks around the world? At the very least, Oprah can be commended for NOT promoting programming that is detrimental to her community, which is more than I can say for Ms. Johnson. For years, BET has done nothing to uplift the black community or show us in a positive light, even though they had a golden opportunity to do so. Taking shots at Oprah ain’t going to negate that fact., so Ms. Johnson, please take a seat!

idk if mrs.sheila should be providing her 2 cents but i havent watched OWN since the opening. even though O says this is a "learning experience" it seems like she only pulled from her people that she's had on her show before...most of which are NOT African American. Oprah is not blind...its quite obvious that she lacks black expertise on her stage unless they are performers. NOT ONE African American even has a black core audience show on her entire network! the network of a black woman who can REALLY be a mover and shaker on our behalf!
maybe im just uptight but im not interested in anything on the OWN network at this point and i wish they'd bring DISCOVERY HEALTH back. why did it even get replaced??! she should have been an addition to my tele line up or a replacer! ugh...